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March is Severe Weather Preparedness month: 3 things to know

Posted at 5:19 PM, Mar 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-22 18:19:30-04

The weather in southeastern Wisconsin can change in the blink of an eye, and as we head into severe weather season there are 3 ways that you can prepare before it is too late.

Straight-line winds, hail, and tornadoes usually happen during the summer months in southeast Wisconsin, but National Weather Service Meteorologist Sean Miller believes it's never too early to prepare.  

"We’ve actually had tornadoes in this part of the world in all months except February,” Miller said.

The last tornado to occur in southeast Wisconsin was last summer.  Miller suggests you have a plan, an emergency supply kit, and a way to stay informed.

“Make sure that you have multiple ways to receive weather information and warnings if we’re expecting severe weather," Miller said. "Another thing people don’t often think about that you might want to have on hand if there’s going to be severe weather is to have shoes if you do have to be walking around after a damaging storm, that could be hazardous to your feet."

He also recommends purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio to receive severe weather warnings for for the county you live in, as well as surrounding counties.

Finally, proper use of a generator during a power outage can not only save your life, but your appliances too.  

Ken Converse, store manager of Bliffert Lumber, said when using a generator, it's important to plug the appropriate appliance into the appropriate port on the generator.